These three R50R MINI Robots are highly-sought-after limited edition collectibles from the “Men of Metal” viral marketing campaign by Crispin Porter + Bogusky from early 2004. The bendable robot collector’s models came in three variations:

Electric Blue with Stars and Stripes roof-shield

Dark Silver with Checkerboard roof-shield

Chili Red with Union Jack roof-shield

Men of Metal

The R50R action figure is inspired by Men of Metal, Eyewitness Accounts of Humanoid Robots. The book chronicles Mr. Rowland Samuel’s investigation into eyewitness sightings of robot-like creatures in Oxford, England. A 44-page excerpt of the book, including 18 startling photographs, is included with every R50R action figure.

CONTENTS: One (1) autonomous biped robot, a.k.a. the MINI R50R humanoid robot, in the likeness of the robot first discovered on the World Wide Web at www.r50rd.co.uk/research/internal/v2i/engin/
Constructed with materials sourced via 2004 MINI. Leg length and mass optimized for maximum acceleration. Proprioceptive sensor-capable. Movement algorithms based on use of elastic actuators.

The R50R MINI Robots were sold at US MINI dealerships for $20 each. They also appeared in the MINI MOTORINGGEAR SPRING/SUMMER 2005 catalog.

LET’S GEAR IT TO GO. Let’s throw ’em on and lace ’em up. Let’s pull no punches. Let’s take no prisoners. Let’s take no wooden nickels. Let’s run it hard. Let’s put it away wet. Let’s walk the walk. Let’s back the talk. Let’s keep the rubber side down. LET’S MOTOR.™

This unusual and possibly rare MINI Lying Plush Bulldog was purchased in March 2004 from a MINI dealer. It has a similar look, with the same MINI collar as the original MINI Plush Bulldog only it lies flat instead of sitting up.

It would seem to be part of the MINI MotoringGear collection, but does not appear in any of the known catalogs.

Two years earlier MINI USA produced this MINI training box 2003. The box in 2003 was made from thick black card stock and held closed by a elastic band. Inside were several items including 12 tabbed folders covering:

We previously featured the WORD OF THE DAY gas pump signs. Today we have another set. These philosophical MINI gas pump signs are 19.75″ wide by 11.75″ high and are dated 11/15/05. Shown are just a few of the variations.

Above left is version #1:

HAS “PAY AT THE PUMP” MADE US LONELIER PEOPLE?
Every once in a while, go inside and pay. Talk to the cashier. Ask him about the craziest thing he has seen at the station. You’re bound to hear a great story. But if he just smiles and says, “Here’s your change,” that’s okay too. It’s just nice to talk to people.

Above right is version #2:

MAKE TODAY CO-PILOT APPRECIATION DAY. Every so often, do something nice for your navigator. Like buy them a salty snack or some fake designer sunglasses. But remember, if you get them a cassette of the best bluegrass hits from the 80’s, don’t come crying to us if they actually play it.

Below is version #5:

WHY DON’T WE TALK TO EACH OTHER AT GAS STATIONS?
Why can’t this be another opportunity to meet people? You never hear stories like, “Yeah, we met at the gas station. We’re both premium octane, no receipt people.” After all, destiny can strike anywhere. Including the filling station.

MINI Media Information
MINI at the 77th International Motor Show Geneva 2007.

The International Motor Show Geneva 2007 took place from March 8-18, 2007. The second-Generation (R56) MINI One and MINI Cooper D debuted at this show. Also, the new John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the second-generation (R56) MINI Cooper S appeared. As usual for MINI for major automobile shows, the company created this hardcover multimedia information guide for the press.

Lift the magnetically-held front cover to reveal a CD attached to the inside. On the right side, a pocket holds a stapled press bulletin and two booklets: “Text” and “Photos” both dated 3/2007. The two-page, stapled Press bulletin is dated March 2007 and titled “Get the racing feeling: the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the new MINI Cooper S.”.

The booklet titled “Text” contains 16 pages of information in two sections:

MINI at the 77th International Motor Show Geneva 2007. (Short Version)

More Fun on Less Fuel: The new MINI One. The new MINI Cooper D.

The booklet titled “Photos” contains 19 pages, nine of which have glossy color photos of a Pepper White and Black MINI Cooper D and a Pure Silver MINI One. Other pages have information about the included CD (mentioned above) in both German and English.

The CD contains the full content of the Press bulletin as well as MINI product photos and runs in a web browser.

LET’S RECREATE AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY.* Let’s see what this street legal go-kart can do. Let’s find a big, empty parking lot. Let’s bust out the orange cones. Let’s pull out the stopwatch. Let’s set a slalom course for adventure. Let’s get ready. Let’s get set. LET’S MOTOR.™

From early 2004 we have this interactive ad insert from Crispin Porter + Bogusky. The fold-out ad has 8 punch-out folding orange cones to set up your own slalom course.

The footnote of the ad reads:

*Road & Track puts tons of new cars through their 700-ft. slalom test to measure handling and agility. It’s kind of a big deal. And considering a stock MINI Cooper beat some pretty serious rides, including the Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Porsche 911 Turbo, you may want to tell your friend riding shotgun to eat a very light lunch.